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►S 1672 
F16 P7 
^opy 1 



PROOF POSITIVE. 



{Copyright, 1879, by Franklin File.] 






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New York: 
S. \V. GREEN, PRINTER, IG and 18 JACOB STREET. 

1819. 



CHARACTERS. 



Arthur Wentwick. — " I must believe the facts, tliougli tliey 
prove my wife a murderess. " 

Mrs. Wentwich. — " Must I be banged because the circum- 
stances are lies against me?" 

Hester Aldridge. — "Mad? Well, see how adroitly a maniac 
can plan revenge." 

Abel Mtlburn. — "Forgive me, if you can, for the part I have 
had in your sorrow." 

Mrs. Vanmander. — " Oh, yes ; I'm very deaf; but I can hear my 
gold chink as well as you." 

Jonas Poggenburg. — " My present purpose is to profitably blend 
diplomacy and courtship." 

Dr. Farlow. — " I am the custodian of her wealth." 

Mr. Mook. — " Duels may be fought, sir, if the parties are blood- 
thirsty and sly." 

Mrs. Mook. — " Not flirt ? Then what's the use of being a jealous 
man's wife?" 

Henry. — " It's cruel to make a servant swear against his mis- 
tress. " 

Maid. — '• I'm here to look after Mrs. Vaumander." 



9^tr3^ 



^\(o 



PROOF POSITIVE, 



ACT FIRST. 

Scene. — A sitting-room in the Wentwich residence, on 
Washington Heights. A imrt of a hallway and the 
lower end of a staircase are visible through a wide^ arched 
doorway at the right upper corner. A large hay -window 
occupies a great part of the hack^ through 2vhich, during 
the burning of the bonfire at the close of the act^ a land- 
scape is visible. Door l. A lighted chandelier hangs in 
the centre, and the room is completely and handsomely 
furnished. 

The rise of the curtain discloses Jonas Poggenburg 
standing, l. c, ivith his back to the audience, examining 
the room, and Abel Milburn standing r. c. They and 
the other characters in this act ivear evening dress. 

Abel Well, Uncle Jonas, what do you think of it ? 

Poggenburg [Turning abruptly to Abel.) It is grand, 
sumptuous, perfect — how did you get into it ? 

[Speaks volubly. 

Abel How did I gain the familiar acquaintance of the 
Wentwich family ? Why, it came about through the col- 
lege friendship of Arthur Wentwich, naturally enough. 

Pog. Not naturally, Abel Milburn, not naturally. You 
are my nephew, and therefore akin to ill-fortune. It is 
natural that you, like your uncle and your dead father, should 
be always running after success, and only getting near 
enough to be kicked by its hind feet, [Puts his arm 
familiarly through Abel's.] Abel, my nephew, I have one 
single fifty-dollar bill in my pocket — millions in the scope of 



4 PKOOF POSITIVE. 

my plans, but only fifty in my pocket. Yesterday I would 
have said that I was out of kicking range of success ; 
but to-day I met you — you have brought me to this social 
gathering, where tlae aroma of wealth can be sniffed in the 
air, and once more I am buoyant with hope. Abel, what 
are you ? 

Abel Well, Uncle Jonas, I'm a lawyer; but I confess 
that, if it were not for the business that Wentwich entrusts 
to my management, my profession wouldn't be very lucra- 
tive. 

Pog. (Drawing hack and looking admiringly at Abel.) 
Lucky fellow. \^Eagerly.^ Can't you spare me a little of 
your success ? Can't you put me in the way of something 
remunerative — a rich wife, say. I'm a clever diplomat, as I 
have proved by serving my country illustriously as consul at 
Kitto. The same diplomatic ability would carry all before 
me as a wooer. Eh ? 

[Enter Arthur Wentwich and Hester Aldridge from 

arch^ she on his arm. They come down c. Abel and 

Poggenburg go to l. c. 

Abel (To Hester.) Let me present my uucle, Mr. Pog- 
genburg. Miss Aldridge [Hester a«^ Poggenburg bow.\ 
Mr. Wentwich [Wentwich and Poggenburg shake hands.'] 
I ventured to bring my uncle, because — 

lVe7itivich Because you knew it was a safe venture. I 
am glad to meet you, Mr. Poggenburg. [Poggenburg 
shakes hands with him again^ and then with Hester.J 
Make him feel at home, Abel. But I must go to the parlor; 
our guests are beginning to arrive. Shall you remain here, 
Hester ? 

Hester {Hesitating as Abel rather eagerly motions her to 
a chair, and then taking Wentwich's arm.) No ; I will 
go with yon, if you please. [Boivs. Exeunt Wentwich 
aiid Hester, the latter watched intently by Abel.] 

Pog. (Slapjnng Abel's shoulder.) Abel, my nephew, you 
are in love with that young lady. Don't prevaricate. My 
diplomatic service has made my eyes peculiarly discerning-^ — 
absolutely microscopic. AVho is she? 

Abel Hester Aldrido^c. 



PKOOP rOSlTlVE. 5 

Pog. I knew that. What is she ? 

Ahel An old friend of the Wentwich family — a very dis- 
tant relative, I believe, and an heiress. She had been in 
Europe several years, when, a few weeks ago, she returned 
to the city. She has been a guest here since then. 

Fog. Much money ? 

Ahel So much that she doesn't take time to count it. 

Pog. I've dropped into the very midst of wealth. Doesn't 
she want a business manager? 

Ahel Oh, she has one. Dr. Farlow is the executor of her 
estate. 

Pog. Wonder if he would sell out ? 

Ahel He is here to-night. Make him an offer. [Laughs. 
Enter Dr. Farlow.] There he is. Now is your chance. 

Dr. Farloiv Good evening, Mr. Milburn. 

Ahel Good evening. Doctor. This is my uncle, Mr. 
Poggeuburg. 

Pog. [Shaking hands with Dr. Farlow.) Glad to know 
you, sir. 

Dr. Farlow I am looking for my wife, who is rather 
nervous from illness, and my ward. 

Pog. Whose money, as well as herself, needs looking 
after, eh? 

Dr. P'arlow Sir? 

Ahel I had casually remarked, just as you came in, that 
Miss Aldridge was an heiress. 

Dr. Farlow [Signijicantly.) Yes; a great many appear 
to have observed that fact. But I must find her. [Exit. 

Pog. Abel, I trust you appreciate the gravity of the situa- 
tion. Don't lose the heiress through lack of care. Popped 
yet? 

Ahel [Exasperated.) Yes. 

Pog. What was her answer? 

Ahel Nothing. She's an enigma. But I don't think she 
cares for me. If she loved a man at all it would be with an 
intensity that could not be hidden from him. She is a 
slumbering volcano of passion, and some day there will be 
a tremendous eruption. 

Pog. Tears of lava, and throes of internal, emotional 
convulsion ? 



6 PKOOF POSITIVE. 

YEnter Mrs. Wentwich, supporting Mrs. Yanmander, vjIw 
is very old. 

Abel (Rising.) Husb. [Mrs. W. and Mrs. V. come 
down c, Mrs. W. boivs to Abel, and helps Mrs. V. into an 
easy chair.'j This is my uncle, Mr. Poggenburg. 

[They hoiv. 

Mrs. Went. I trust you bave already been made to feel 
welcome. But I fear I am tardy. 

Abel Yes, Arthur is already in the parlor with Miss Aid- 
gate. 

Mrs. Went. ( Quickly.) With Miss Aldgate ? (Smiles 2vith 
an effort.) Mr. Milburn, will you take me in ? And you, 
Mr. Poggenburg ? 

(She takes Abel's arm and goes toward the archy looking 
back at Poggenburg, tohile he curiously regards Mrs. 
Yanmander, ivho has sat stiff and imniovahle. Exeunt 
Mrs. Wentwich and Abel ; but Abel re-enters instantly^ 
and runs doivn to Poggenburg. 

Abel Uncle, there's your opportunity. That's Mrs. Yan- 
mander. (Poggenburg gesticulates that she will overhear^ 
but she 2xtys no attention.) She's immensely wealthy — a 
widowed aunt of Wentwich's. Oh, she doesn't hear me; 
she's as deaf as a post. (She sees them, discloses an ear- 
trumpet, ^j?f^5 it to her ear and looks inquiringly. Abel 
sp)eaks lower.) V\\ introduce you. (Speaks loud in the 
trumjjet.) My uncle, Mr. Poggenburg. 

Mrs. Vamnander Eh ! Polly wog ? 

Abel (Louder.) Poggenburg — Mr. Poggenburg, my uncle. 

Mrs. Van. (Surveying Poggenburg, ivho bows.) Oh ! 

Abel Mrs. Wentwich is waiting. (Exit hurriedly. 

Pog. (Regarding Mrs. Yanmander, %vho has p)ut down her 
trumpet and is dozing.) Rich, and cannot reasonably live 
forever. I'll do it. W^hat a grand old ruin ! But I guess 
sbe could be restored a little. There ought to be a new set 
of teeth put in right away. That could be done, easily ; but 
the ears — I never heard of false ears, though there may be 
such things. Til inquire. Sounding-boards over her tym- 
panums would be better than that trumpet. PU get an 



PKOOF I'O.SITIVI':. 7 

anrist to come around and make an estimate. [Takes a hook 
from the table.) A novel — a very sentimental novel. Tor- 
pid temperaments are only atlected by strong doses. Maybe 
I can find a dose here (turns the par/es) strong and sweet. 
Ah ! " Alfonso said to her — " that passage will do. I will 
pour the dose into her ears — ear — through the funnel. 
(Goes to her, with the book behind him. Taps her on the 
shoulder. She aioakes, and puts the trumpet to her ear. He 
speaks in it.) Do you dance, Mrs. Vanmander ? No ! Now 
that is a shame — a burning shame to rob the merry mazes — 
(Aside.) Now for the dose. (He holds the book behind her, 
fumbling the pages to find a pjassage. She has fallen asleep, 
and dropped the trumpet.) Ah ! this is it. Eh ? She is 
asleep. (Tap)s her on the shoulder. She awakes, drowsily, 
and he puts the trumpet in her hand and up to her ear. He 
holds the book open behind her, and is about to read from it, 
when she falls asleep, and the trumpet drops.) Asleep again ! 
(Picks up the trumpet, p)uts it to her ear, and shouts in it.) 
Mrs. Vanmander ! 

Mrs. Van. (Screaming.) Ah ! What has happened ? 

(PoGGENBURG trics to put the trmwpet to her ear, but she 
moves her head about excitedly, and he cannot do it. He 
seizes her head, holds it still, and 2mts the triunpet in 
iwsition. 

Pog. (In the truinjyet.) Becalm ! Nothing has happened! 
You are in no danger — 

3frs. Van. Danger ! 

Pog. In no danger, I said. You arc excited. Shall I get 
you some stimulant ? 

Mrs. Van. (Promptly.) There is a decanter of brandy in 
the hallway. 

Pog, (Aside.) Her deafness seems to be intermittent. 

(Exit PoGGENBURG. Mrs. Yanmander falls cishep, and 
drop)s the trumpet. Re-enter Poggenburg loith a wine- 
glass in one hand, and the book in the other. He p>icks up 
the trumpet, and tries to jnU it to her ujHurned ear ; but is 
bothered by his hands being full. Enter Maid. Poggen- 
burg tries to hide the book under his coat. In his confu- 



8 PROOF POSITIVE. 

sio?i he pours the wine into Mrs. Vanmander's ear thro2tf/h 
the trumpet. 

Mrs. Van. Oli ! I'm drowning ! 

Poff. Great heaven ! I have dosed her now ! 

(Mrs. Yanmander/Jx/Z^ back in her chair. The Maid fans 
her, and Poggenburg holds her salts to her nose. She 
revives, rises, looks ifidignantly at Poggenburg. Exit, 
assisted by the Maid. 

Pog. An unpromising outset. I must make amends. My 
present purpose is to profitably blend diplomacy and court- 
ship. 

[Exit tliToufjh arch, turning to the left. Enter Wentwich 
and Hester through the archivay from the right. 

Went. The waltz v/as too fast for you. It has taken your 
breath away. 

Hester Well, yes ; it has affected me rather strangely. 
[Sits, and fans herself.) Do you remember our last waltz? 

Went. That was— 

Hester Three years ago, and it was the last time we met 
before I went to Europe. We were [hesitates^ unreserved 
friends, then. 

Went. And we are friends now. 

Hester [Sloivly.] Yes, friends [S])eaking with a little bit- 
terness, but cojyiposedly.] We were lovers then — don't you 
remember ? 

Went. \With embarrassmeiit] Yes. 

Hester Almost affianced, were we not? But after I went 
away you married, and I [checking herself \ Tell me how 
you won your wife. 

Went Well, I fell in love with her — and married lier. 

Hester How — how ? Tell me the whole story. I want to 
hear it all. 

Went There is nothing to conceal, Hester. It was a mere 
chance — it usually is, I suppose. She was poor, so poor 
that hard poverty had made her desperate. Out of work as 
a teacher, with no parents, with starvation at her door, she 
was at the pitch of reckless despair, when an accident took 



riiooF rosiTivE. 9 

me to her. [ Goes to the hack of Hester'' s chairJ[ I helped 
her to employment, first, and now she is my wife. 

Hester- [With a forced laugh] You would be a poor novel- 
ist. You have crowded a whole romance ioto a hundred 
words, and so told a most barren story. 

Went. I know it. I have left ont the rapid growth of 
my love for her, and my pride and happiness as the husband 
of such a woman. 

YEnter Mrs. AYentwich. She stojys unseen on seeinr/ them 
together. 

Hester That is improbable. 
Went. Improbable ? 

Hester I think it is improbable that you really love a 
woman whom you found and married under such circum- 
stances. I think it is probable that you love me, now 
that we are together again, just as you used to say you did. 

Mrs. Went. ( Coming forward.) Do you think so ? Let 
him answer. [Hester rises. Both women gaze at Went- 
wiCH inquiringhj.'\ Should I have doubted what your reply 
would be ? 

Went. No. I love my wife, truly and only. [He ^:>m/s 
07ie arm around her, and she throws herself on his shoulder. '\ 
Hester, forgive me if I have injured you. You are our 
guest, and — 

Hester Forgive ? It is not in my heart to forgive the 
wrong you have done me. 

Mrs. Went. (Angrilg.) Have you done nothing to be for- 
given? You have tried to steal my husband's love, and if 
you had succeeded I believe I would have killed you. [ Goes 
toivard Hester, ivho di'ops into a chair.] My husband was 
telling you, as I entered, a little of what I was when he 
found me. I will tell you more. Bad fortune lowered my 
parents from riches to poverty ; and then they died, leaving 
me all alone. We had recently come to New York, and I 
was without a friend here — without relatives anywhere. 
Well, I thought I could support myself with some of the 
accomplishments that I had acquired in better days, but I 
was mistaken. For weeks I went wearily here and there, 
otTering to teach music, drawing, anything t)hat I had learned 

1* 



10 PROOF POSITIVE. 

in a thoroiigli education. Then I tried to earn a living with 
a needle, and nearly starved, for I could not use it skilfully. 
Hunger made me desperate. One day there was neither 
work nor food in my miserable room. This is what I did. 
I collected every book, picture, letter — every reminder of 
what I had been — every memento of a happy past — I piled 
them all on the fireless hearth, and burned them. As they 
blazed up, I said : " That destroys every tie between me and 
the past. As to the future I am careless, except that I will 
not starve any longer. This world shall give me the living 
that it owes me." Then, full of a wild, unreasoning despera- 
tion, I went into the street. [Wentwicii taJces her hands, 
and she nestles close to him.'] Chance led me straight to 
Arthur Wentwich. 

Hester You are better than he at a romance. Your story 
is entertaining. 

Mrs. Went. I have told it to you so that you may know 
how much reason I have for loving my husband. You 
understand now that he is indeed all the world to me. 
\^Puts her arms about his neck. Then turns abruptly to 
Hester.] You understand now why I could kill the woman 
who should take him from me. 

Hester You forget that you have taken him from me — if, 
indeed, you really have his love. [^Rises. 

Went. Hush. This is a needless quarrel, and will be 
overheard. Come. 

[He and Mrs. Wentwich start toward the arch. He by a 
gesture asks Hester to go too. She does not answer. 
Enter Abel. Exeunt Mr. and Mrs. Wentwich. Abel 
approaches Hester, ivho looks at him vacantly. 

Abel How rapt you look, Miss Aldgate. Your moods are 
various. Ah ! you are a puzzle, and there's little use in 
guessing at you. 

Hester Just now I am in a mood of recklessness — a mood 
that comes over me sometimes after excitement — a mood 
that frightens me when I am under its influence. 

Abel Is it a mood in which it would be hazardous for me 
to press my humble suit ? 



PROOF POSITIVE. 11 

Hester (As though struck hy a sudden idea.) No. [^ 
goes quickly to her side.^ But — 

Ahel You will be mine ? 

Hester [Bises.) If I say " yes" that must be my whole 
answer. Why I so suddenly decide, you must not ask. I 
believed that you sought me for my money. 

Ahel I protest — 

Hester No matter — I have said " yes ; " but you must 
take me quickly at my word. \^Aside.'\ I will make them 
believe I am happy, no matter how much misery the pre- 
tence may cost me. [To Abel.] I want it to be given out 
that we had met before I came here, and were betrothed 
before to-night. Do not give me time to repent. 

Ahel No time too short until our marriage; and if you 
have a mind for surprising them — you said you were reck- 
less — why not to-night ? A short ride to a^clergyman, and 
we return husband and wife. 

Hester (Aside.) An elopement. Where will the impetus 
of my resentment carry me? 

[Miter PoGGENBURG and Mrs. Vanmander, he speaking in 
the trumpet which she holds to her ear, 

Ahel Your answer, Miss Aldridge ? 

Hester (Observing Poggenburg a?2c^ Mrs. Vanmander) 
Meet me in the arbor as soon as you can, and I will give 
you my decision. (Exit l. d. Abel goes to the bay-tvindow 
and looks out.) 

Fog. (Speaking in the trumpet as he comes forvmrd) Old, 
Mrs. Vanmander? 

Mrs. Va7imander Eh ? Don't call me Old Mrs. Vanman- 
der, sir. 

Fog. That is the very notion I was combating. 

Mi's. Vanmander Combative, am I ? (Abel comes doicn.) 

Fog. Ah ! Abel ! Everything that enters her comprehen- 
sion must go in, in the form of howls, through that bugle. 
That process is a great hindrance to progress in my couit- 
ship. But my will, Abel, my will is indomitable — iodomi- 
table. I am keeping cool and C(5lie(5 — 



12 niOOF POSITIVE. 

[Mrs. Vanmander jmts up the trumpet^ with the open end 
close to Poggenburg's mouth, just in time to catch the 
unfinished icord " collec.'^''^ 

Mrs. Vanmander Eh ? Colic ! (Sits.) 

Pog. {In the trainpeC) Collected, ina'am. I was speak- 
ing to my nephew about collections, Mrs. Vanmander — col- 
lections for^ the heathen. {To Abel) Another ^vorriment, 
Abel, has been a young lady of exceeding pertness and im- 
pudence, who boldly declares that she wants to flirt. Her 
name is Mook — Mrs. Mook — married — married to a man 
who is, she says, insanely jealous of her. Now, a long ex- 
perience, has led me to think twice — to think several times, 
before succumbing to the wiles of woman — 

[Mrs. Vanmander mtcliesthe last tcords, as before, hy flash- 
ing up the trumjjet in the sp)eake7'''s face.'\ 

Mrs. Vanmander Eh ? Wiles of woman ? Do you 
mean me, sir? 

Pog. {In the trumpet) No, no, dear madam — other 
women — less worthy women. 

Mrs. Vanmander Ah ! 

Pog. {In the tnmipef) I was explaining to my nephew 
how, after long resisting the wiles of women — designing 
women — I am at last affected by the spontaneous and unaf- 
fected attractiveness of yourself. I was saying that, com- 
pared with the days of old, I am — 

Mrs. Vanmander Eh? Old? I? 

Pog. That is the way I have to expend breath. [In the 
trumpet^ You old ? Bless me, no. You arc just in the blush, 
and flush, and gush of womanhood. {Aside) You ancient 
mariner on the sea of life. {To Abel) As I was saying, 
this astonishing woman — this astounding Mrs. Mook — has 
been persistent in her attentions to your uncle, thereby en- 
dangering his success with this centenarian. How are you 
getting along with the heiress ? 

Abel Wait and see. 

Pog. Go slowly, Abel, and surely. If the slowness of my 
success is a token of its sureness. then I am encouraged. 
The old adder doesn't hear half F say, and miswiderstands 



PllOOF POSITIVE. 13 

the other half. But I am proceeding with cool impetuosity, 
with diplomatic vigor — with a vigor so deliberate as not to 
alarm, yet adroitly calculated to bring my suit to a crisis in 
about four days. [I!}^xit Abel. Mrs. Vanmander puts up 
her trumjyet.) We were speaking, my dear Mrs. Vanman- 
der, speaking admiringly, of the zest with which you enter 
into the entertainment. I suppose, now, that you are over 
forty years old, but you really have the vivacity — the social 
vivacity and conversational animation — of a girl. 

\^Enfe7' Mrs. Mook. She looks around, as though search- 
ing for somehody, and, seeing Poggenburg, runs up to 
him playfxdly. Mrs. Vanmander stares at them, and 
holds her trumpet to her ear, trying to hear the conversa- 
tion^ 

Mrs. Mook Did I leave you ? Well, never mind. I'll 
stay a long time with you to make up for it. I've been in 
the garden, all alone, — to get a breath of fresh air. I thought, 
possibly, you might follow. And I wanted to get away from 
my bothersome husband, too. The ardor of that infatuated 
man's love is oppressive, really. And he is so jealous — un- 
reasonably, I assure you. What if I do flirt occasionally 
with somebody, like you, Mr. Poggenburg — that is no reason 
why he should threaten to kill you ? 

Pog. (Nervously) Did he threaten to kill me ? 

Mrs. Mook With cruelty, Mr. Poggenburg. He said 
something, just now, in a wild kind of way, about cutting- 
out your heart. 

Pog. Goodness gracious ! (Mrs. Vanmander exhibits 
lively curiosity, and Poggenburg goes to her.) We were 
speaking about butchery — about a proposed wanton butchery 
of an unoffending human being. 

Mrs. Mook Never mind, Mr. Poggenburg — isn't a flirta- 
tion worth some risk ? The danger gives zest to the pleasure. 
(She looks up langmshingly into his face.) 

Pog. In heaven's name, don't do that ! Your husband 
might see you. 

Mrs. Mook Oh, no. He is out in the garden, looking for 
me. I suppose he thinks I am out there walking with you. 



14 PROOF POSITIVE. 

I don't doubt but he has a knife in one hand, a revolver in 
the other, and a club in the other. 

Pog. A three-handed maniac seeking to slay me. O gra- 
cious ! (Mrs. Mock gives him another expressive look) 
Please don't do that. I am not prepared to die. 

[Unter Mr. Mock, excitedb/, striding to Mrs. Mock's side. 
PoGGENBURG trcmMes violeyitly.^ 

Mooh {To Mrs. Mook, in a hoarse lohisper) Where is lie ? 
(Mrs. Mook looks at Poggenburg slgl]/, and he snakes en- 
treating gestures to her to stop) IIow long have you been 
in this room, madam ? 

Mrs. Mook [Demurely) About five minutes. 

Mook Were you out there in the garden just now, in the 
arbor ? 

Mrs. Mook In the arbor — no, sir. 

Mook. \^To Poggenburg] W^ere you ? 

Pog. No ; I will swear, sir — swear negatively. 

Mook. \^Cooling^ I am glad to hear it. Bloodshed is 
averted. 

[Mrs. Vanmander adjusts the trumpet. '\ 

Pog. [In the trumpet^ More talk about butchery. 
Mrs. Mook Let's play cards. The parlor is suiibcating. 
Pog. Yes, by all means. That may divert us from con- 
templation of bloodshed. Come, Mrs. Vanmander. 

[Mr. a7id Mrs. Mook bring forivard the card-table.'] 

Mrs. Mook [Having directed Mr. Mook in fixing the 
chairs] There ! 

Pog. What shall we play ? 

Mrs. Mook Euchre, if that suits you all. 

Pog. Partners ? 

Mrs. Mook. Yes ; you and I will play together. [Gives 
him a languishing glance.] 

[Mook glares at them savagelt/.] 

Pog. {Aside) This creature will be the cause of my assas- 
sination. 



PKOOF POSITIVE. lO 

[They sit at the table — Mr. Mook at the back, Mes. Mook 
at the right, Poggenburg at his left, and Mrs. Vanman- 
jy&B. facing him. They play suitahlg during the ensuing 
conversation. 

Mrs. Mook Is it a heart ? Ah ! Mr. Poggenburg, I will 
assist you. 

Mook [Savagely] And I'll euchre you, 

Mrs. Mook That is one trick. 

Mook Trick ? Aha ! 

Pog. Does a game of cards usually excite you in this way, 
sir? 

Mrs. Mooh There, Mr. Poggenburg, count two for us. 
How lovely we do get along together ! 

Pog. \Aside\ She means to get me killed, I know she 
does. 

Mook [ With emphasis'] It is my turn now [Poggenburg 
starts] to deal. 

Pog. [Relieved] Oh ! 

Mook Clubs ! [Poggenburg starts again] What do you 
say to that, sir ? 

Pog. I pass. 

Mrs. Mook. [Languishiyigly) I agree with Mr. Poggen- 
burg. 

Mr. Mook Eh ? Well — I reluctantly turn down the club. 

Mrs. Mook Do make it hearts again, Mr. Poggenburg. 

Pog. Never. 

Mrs. Van. Spades. 

Mook [Rising in great excitement, and throwing his cards 
over his head] I distinctly observed Mr. Poggenburg's foot 
resting on Mrs. Mook's toes — or Mrs. Mook's foot tapping 
Mr. Poggcnburg's toes ! Anyhow, there was a suspicious 
contact of feet under the table, and I demand an explana- 
tion. Duels may still be fought in this country, if the foes 
are bloodthirsty and sly. 

Pog. Upon my honor as a man — upon the word of a 
man whose word is better than his oath — I deny any inten- 
tion of oftence. If your wife's feet are large — [Mrs. Mook 
looks at him reproachfully] Don't look at me, or my 
blood will be upon your head. [Aside] And she will ruin 



16 PROOF POSITIVE. 

my prospects with this fossil. [In Mrs. Vanmander's 
tr'amj)ct\ We are still on the theme of butchery, Mrs. 
Yanmaiuier. 

Mrs. Van. Eh? Who will butcher Mrs. Vanmander? 

Fog. [1)1 the trumpet) Nobody, while I am here to de- 
fend you. 

[MooK sullenly i^icJcs up his cards. Enter a maid^ going to 
Mrs. Vanmander, wlio rises and takes her arm. 

Pog. "What is this ? Are you going to take her away ? 
Maid It is her time for going <to bed, sir. She never 
varies. I'm here to look after Mrs. Vanmander. 

[PoGGENBURG r'lses and goes to take the otJier arm o/Mrs. 
Vanmander. 

Pog. [To the maid) Which is Mrs. Vanmander's room ? 

Maid It is the northeast comer room, sir, on the second 
floor. 

Pog. Do you think she could hear a serenade ? 

3Iaid I guess not, sir ; she is very deaf. 

Pog. Not if a man stood on a ladder, close to her win- 
dow, and sang very loud ? 

Maid She might, sir — I don't know. 

[Mrs. Vanmander adjusts the trumpet. 

Pog. [In the trwnj^et) Do you sleep with that trumpet 
in your ear ? 

Mrs. Van. Eh? Troubled ear? two of them. Oh, yes, 
I'm very deaf, but I can hear my gold chink as well as you. 

Pog. [As Mrs. Vanmander and the maid go toivard the 
door — in trium2yh) Good-night ! 

Mrs. Van. Good what? 

Pog. Good-night ? Yes, I will call again — certainly. 

[Exit Mrs. Vanmander and maid. Poggenburg follows 
them to the door, and kisses Mrs. Vanmander's hand. 

Mook [Aside) What a ruthless gallant he is ! I must 
watch my wife. 

Mrs. Mook We will have to play a three-hand game. 

Mook Cut-throat. 

Pog. [Returning to the table) Eh ? 



PROOP POSITIVE. 17 

Mooh Three-handed euchre is called cnt-throat, isn't it? 
Pog. Oh yes. [aSV7^. Enter Dr. Farlow. 

Mrs. Mook Just in time, Dr. Farlow. We want you. 
Dr, Farlow It is a lucky physician who is just in time 
when he is needed. [Comes down. 

Mrs. Mook We want you to play euchre. 

[Dr. Farlow takes the seat in front of the table, and they 
'play. Enter Mrs. Wentwicii. 

Pog. (Aside) I hope I will not need him as a surgeon. 

[Mrs. Wentwich stands at the hack of Mook's chair and 
watches the game. 

3Irs. Mook You look strangely, Mrs. Wentwich. Are 
you ill ? 

Dr. Farlmv You are surely feverish, Mrs. Wentwich. 

Mrs. Went. The excitement doesn't improve my looks, I 
presume. 

Mook Your guests seem to enjoy tliemselves, in various 
ways. Some, I am bound to sav, in unseemly flirtation. 

Mrs. Mook Oh, Mr. Mook ! ' 

Pog. (Aside) There he goes again. 

Mook And some in planning an elopement, judging by 
something I overheard. 

3Irs. Mook Oh, how romantic ! 

Pog. (Aside) Can anybody have got ahead of me with 
Mrs. Vanmander ? [To Mr. Mook] Come, let us know 
about this. 

[They stoj) ^:»/(/y/wy, and show deep interest. Dr. Farlow 
moves his chair aside. 

Mook Well, I went into the garden a few minutes age, 
and heard low voices in the arbor. I was specially interested 
[Looks significantly at Mrs. Mook and Mr. Poggenburg.] 
It was a man and a woman — who I could not see ; but it 
was easy to tell by their tones that they were lovers, though 
I couldn't hear all they said. I heard the man say, " Go and 
dress yourself for travelling. Stay in your room until you 
see a bright light over yonder in the field. I will have a 



18 riioOF rosiTivi:. 

heap of stubble fired. That will be a signal for you, and at 
the same time divert the attention of any guests who may 
happeu to be in the garden. Then go to the gate, as soon as 
you can without observation, and I will be there with a 
carriage." That is all I can remember, 

Mrs. Went. [Siq)pressing agitation) And you could not 
discern who they were ? 

Mook I could not ; but one voice sounded like that of 
Miss Aid ridge. 

Br. Farlow You are mistaken, sir. 

3Iooh Maybe, maybe. 

3Irs. M^ent. I have a favor to ask of you all, and I am 
sure you wall grant it. Say nothing to anybody about this 
matter. Leave it entirely to me. I do not wish to have 
this entertainment end in a scandal. Mr. Mook. may have 
misunderstood, or the conversation may have been in jest. 
Go to the parlor, and, above all, if you see the signal — the 
fire that Mr. Mook thinks he lieard spoken of — do not go 
near the gate. Will you please me in this ? 

Fo(/. We will. 

[The rest bow, and all rise. Tliey move toward the door. 

Dr. Farloiv Let me add my request to that of Mrs. 
Wentwich. [The7j hoiv. Exeunt Mook, Mrs. Mook and 
PoGGENBURG.] W^hat are we to do ? 

Mrs. 'Went. Leave it to me, if you please. 

Dr. Farlow But the name of my ward has been 
mentioned. 

Mrs. Went. It is all a misconception, no doubt. Let me 
manage it. 

Dr. Farloiv. As you please, but call on me for any help 
you need. 

Mrs. Went. I will. 

Dr. Farlow (Aside) ]>ut I will act on my own account. 

(Boivs. Exit. 

(]Mrs. Wentwich goes quicMy to the tahhy and strikes a 
bell. Enter Henry, a servant. 

Mrs. Went. Go to Miss Aldridge's room and see if she is 
there. Tell her that some of her friends are inquiring for 



rKOOF POSITIVE. 19 

her. Hurry, (^xii Henry) If Hester Aldridge is tbc 
woman wlio is goinf^ to elope, who is the man ? My hus- 
band ? No, no ! Did he not to-night choose between us, and 
choose me ? Yet he was once her lover, and may be yet. 
He may have said what he did to deceive me, and then 
hurried preparations to elope with her. If I thought so — 
but how wildly foolish I am ! It cannot be that my hus- 
band is untrue. The idea is preposterous, and I will soon 
be laughing at my idle fright. Yet, where is Arthur ? I 
have not seen him for half an hour. 

\Enter Henry. 

Henri/ Miss Aldridge is in lier room. She says she 
doesn't feel well, but that you needn't come up. She will 
come down soon. 

Mrs. Went. Did you see her ? 

Henry Just a glimpse, as she came to the door. 

Mrs. Went. How was she dressed? 

Henry In something dark, I believe. 

Mrs. Went. Not in the dress you saw her wearing before 
this evening ? 

Henry Oh no ; it was a different one. 

Mrs, Went. Have you seen Mr. Wentwich recently ? 

Henry No, ma'am ; but he may have been in the stables. 
I saw the coachman harnessing the horses, and I suppose it 
was by Mr. Wentwich's order. 

Mrs. Went. ( With forced calmness) Henry, you were given 
a pistol to carry, after the burglars tried to break into the 
house. Have you got it now ? 

Henry I carry it in my pocket all the time, ma'am. 

Mrs. Went. Give it to me. [He shows surprise) Give it 
to me, Henry. [He takes a 2>istol from his i^ocket and hands 
it to her) You may go. 

Henry What are you going to do with it, ma'am ? 

Mrs. Went. Oh, I don't know. [Seeiny his reluctance) No 
harm will come to you. It was given you as a weapon 
against robbers. I may use it to kill one who would rob 
me of everything (^Pereinptorily) Go. [Exit Henry) Let 
me think — when shall I d.o it? Am I losing power of 



20 PROOF rOSlTIVE. 

thought ? They are to meet down there at the gate — that 
was their plan — and the fire is to be the signal and cover 
for their flight. [Goes to the ivindow) I will wait here for 
the light, and see if she quits the house. If she does I will 
follow, and — [A light outside the windoiv) Ah ! There is 
the signal for their crime — and mine ! 

[The light falls upon Mrs. Wentwich as she stands looking 
eagerly out of the ivindoiv^ shading her eyes ivith one 
hand, and holding the revolver in the other. 

Curtain. 



ACT SECOND. 



Scene. — A garden adJoi?ii?ig the Wentwich residence. A 
side of the hotise, ivith the tvindows lighted, shows at the 
right. A corner vnndoiv in the second story is 02)en^ and 
may he reached by means of a ladder and entered. A high 
hedge runs obliquely from back of the house to the left 
front of the stage. Alight, as from a bonfire, shines 
hack of the hedge, dying out gradually. 

At the 2>oint indicated in the act^ the scene changes 
without lowering the curtain. The house sivings out of 
sight, and the hedge slides to the right, revealing a land- 
scape and an ornamental, closed gate, with ivater in the 
(distance. 

The rising of the curtain discloses Toggesbvug, looking 
uj) intently at the open v:indoic. 

Fog. There is the light, but let it blaze. I have always 
diplomatically refrained from mixing in affairs that do not 
concern me, and that rule should be most rigidly applied to 
other folks' elopements. Let this elopement proceed, as 
long as it docs not involve the carrying off of Mrs. Van- 



PEOOF POSITIVE. 21 

mander. It struck me that it would be wise, as a precau- 
tionary measure, to keep an eye on her window until the 
elopement is accomplished. {Loolcing up at the house) The 
northeast corner room on the second floor — so said the 
maid. That is the window, and it is open, on account of 
the heat. There is a faint light burning in the room. Now, 
if I could only make her hear a serenade, while all the guests 
are on the other side of the house looking at the bonfire. 
A plaintive melody might soften her ossified heart ; but I 
suppose it would have to be played with a steam- whistle. 
How can I make her bear ? Wonder if I couldn't climb 
into her room, gently insert the trumpet in her ear, and re- 
tire without waking her ? Then she might hear me sing. 
I saw a ladder as I came around the house, [Exit behind 
the house. Returns ivith a ladder) I've got it. Now for a 
bold but cool move. [Puts the ladder up to the ivindov\ 
cautiously climbs up, and looks in) She is fast asleep, and 
the bugle lies on the bureau. ( Climbs in.) 

[Enter Mrs. MooK/rowi back of the house. She looks at (he 
ladder, and then at the ivindow. 

Mrs. Mook my ! I have stumbled right on the elope- 
ment. I promised Mrs. Wentwicb I wouldn't go down to 
the gate, and I won't. But I'll wait and see who comes 
down that ladder. (Mrs. Mook goes close to the hedge, in the 
shadow, and umtches. Poggenburg reappears at the ivindow, 
and gets out on the ladder) O goodness ! — it's Mr. Poggen- 
burg. Wonder if the woman is coming down ? 

Fog. The trumpet is adjusted, and the petrifaction still 
slumbers. Now to awaken her gently with a song. [He 
may sing a. verse or two.) 

(Mrs. Mook has incautiously moved out of the shadoiv, 
and Poggenburg sees her.) 

Fog. Perdition ! 

Mrs. Mook [Standing on her tip- foes, and speaking cau- 
tiously) Never mind me — bring her down. I won't in- 
terfere — it's so romantic. (Poggenburg comes hastily dovm 
the ladder, and confronts Mrs. Mook) I say, go on with the 



22 PROOF POSITIVE. 

elopement, Mr. Poffgeiiburg — don't mind mc. [Looking up 
at the window) Why doesn't she come out? Who is she ? 

Foff. Mrs. Mook, are you crazy ? I am not going to 
elope. 

Mrs. Mook No? O pshaw ! Then what w^ere you doing 
up there on the ladder ? 

Pog. I was simply taking a little exercise. I was warm 
and cramped in the house, and came out here to stretch my- 
self. 

3Irs. Mook Was that what made you leave me so ungal- 
lantly? Our flirtation wasn't half over. 

Pog [Aside) Our flirtation ! 

[Mrs. Mo ok takes Ids arm, and he rehictanthj walks with her 
to and fro across the stage. She is very languishing 
and he nervous. 

Mrs. Mook The fire has almost gone out, over there. So 
there must have been something in what Mr. Mook over- 
heard. How I would like to go down to the gate and 
watch. 

Pog. Go — that is a good idea — and I will stay. 

Mrs. Mook No ; Mrs. Wentwich made us promise not 
to, and I suppose it wouldn't do. How romantic it is here, 
Mr. Poggenhurg. 

Pog. Let me serioudy ask you if, in your opinion, it would 
be romantic if your husband should bound out here — bound 
out like an infuriated tiger — and tear me into bits ? 

Mrs. Mook Very. 

Pog. Well, madam, if you really desire such a consum- 
mation, just detain me here until he comes, and witness the 
deadly spectacle. 

Mrs. 3Iook Haven't you any soul for sentiment? AVhy 
won't you flirt ? I declare, I never saw such a man. My 
husband wouldn't kill you — I don't think that he w^ould 
do more than maul you; and then I would nurse you 
through a long and painful illness. Wouldn't that be nice? 

Pog. I feel certain that continued robustness of health 
would be nicer. If you will excuse me now, T will return 
to the house. 



PROOF POSITIVE. 23 

Mrs. Mook And leave me ? 

Pog. Yes. 

Mrs. Mooh Don't go. Stay with me and flirt. 

Pog. No, madam — I am wholly devoted to Mrs. Yanraan- 
der, who is sleeping at the top end of that ladder — perhaps 
hearing the gentle song of the mosquito, through the 
trumpet that I have put in her ears, and dreaming of me. 

Mrs. Mooh What ! That deaf old woman ? 

Pog. The same. 

Mrs. Mook Bah ! Now there was Major Folsom, he's 
been wanting to flirt with me all the evening ; but my hus- 
band wouldn't get jealous of the Major, and so of course 
it wasn't any fun. He is jealous enough of you to murder 
you, and you won't flirt. It's too bad— and I counted on 
having such a splendid time, I'm going to cry. 

[She 2^011 is, and fakes out a handkerchief. 

Pog. Don't do that! Stop it— and I'll flirt— I'll "flirt, 
recklessly, in the very jaws of death ! 

Mrs. Mook AYill you ? 

[Site jmts her hands on his shoulders, and looks up languish- 
ingly in his face. Enter Mook from behind the house. 

Mook (furioushj) Ah ! Oho ! At last ! Caught ! Aha ! 
(Shakes his fist at Poggenhurg.) You sneaking old dis- 
turber of my peace ! Are you ready to die ? 

l^og. I'd rather have the execution put off, if it won't be 
any inconvenience. 

Mrs Mook (Aside) This is superb. 

Mook You were the elopers, after all, eh ? Oh, the de- 
ceit of you ! I will call the people, and expose you. 

(Mr. Mook goes to the corner of the house, Mrs. Mook r7(ns 
after him, seizes his coat-tails and jm lis him hack. 

Mrs. Mook Don't, don't ! My gracious ! its getting too 
interesting. We don't want to elope — honest and true, we 
don't. 

Pog, We do not, Mr. Mook ; at least I do not — I can't 
speak for vour erratic wife. Maybe she would have eloped 



24 nioop POSITIVE. 

with me, in spite of desperate resistance, if you hadn't come 
as you did. 

Mook That's like a poltroon, to turn against his dupe 
when the danger comes. Come, Mrs. Mook — I forgire you 
and will protect you. As for you, sir, I will deal with you 
to-morrow. Mrs. Wentwich said distinctly that she Avanted. 
no scandal connected with this entertainment, and I w^ill re- 
spect her wishes. But you will hear from me to-morrow, 
sir. (To Mrs. Mook) Come ! 

[Exeunt Mr. and Mrs. Mook hack of the liouse^ Mook 
menacing. 

Pog. It seems to me that I am in a position in which all 
my diplomatic powers may be tried. 

(Exit behind the house. 

l^The scene changes, as previously described, and moonlight 
is shown. Abel and Hester enter r. She sto2:>s c. 

Abel Why do you draw back? Do you hesitate? Be- 
lieve me, uo act of mine shall ever cause you to regret this 
adventure. 

Hester I hesitate because I am bewildered ; but do not 
think that I dread consequences. I am a strange woman 
even to myself — incomprehensible to others. [Laughs.] A 
German physician whom I met abroad said that I would 
likely become iusane sometime. Well, impulses do control 
me, utterly. My impulse now is to smite a woman who is 
happy in the place that should be mine. I cannot do that 
— no way is presented. If there was — [Makes a gesture oj 
desperate menace.] Until to-night I hoped to take her hus- 
band's love away from her. You offer to make me your 
wife. That gives me the chance to at least rob her of the 
knowledge of my misery, and I accept it. I do not deceive 
you. To-morrow I may hate you for the part you are tak- 
ing ; but my present desire is to return here in an hour to 
say, " I am married." 

Abel You shaU. I will go and see if the carriage is 
ready, and return at once. [Exit by gate. 

Hester What am I doing ? ] scarcely know or care. Oh, 



PROOF POSITIVE, 25 

how miserable I. am ! — so miserable tbat I have a mind to 
throw niyself into the river yonder. Was the German 
physician right ? 

[Enter Mrs. Wentwich, r. She excitedly confronts Hester, 

and they look at each other silently for an instant. Exit 

Dr. Farlow, l. 

Mr». ^Vent. Tell me the truth, Hester zVldridge ; do not 
dare to lie. You are here to elope with your lover. I know 
it. 

Hester If you know it already, there is scarcely a need of 
my saying yes. 

Mrs. Went. The man is my husband. [Hester does 
not reply. \ Is that so ? 

Hester That is not so. 

Mrs. Went. (Eagerly.) Tell me the truth. 

Hester {After a, pause, as though enjoying Mrs. Went- 
wich's suspense.) That is the truth. You fancied that I 
was crushed by your husband's avowal of sole love for you. 
I was merely su^isfying my curiosity. I had already engaged 
to marry Mr. Milburn. You do not believe it ? [Goes t'> 
the gate, followed hy Mrs. Wentwich, and opens it 2>«r- 
tially."] Do you see him ? 

Mrs. Went. Yes. 

Hester [Shutting the gate.) That is the carriage that is 
to take us to a clergyman. We have planned an entertain- 
ing surprise for your guests. 

Mrs. Went. Thank God. [Taking Hester's hand.) 
And you forgive me. I love my husband so well that a 
momentary conviction of his perfidy maddens me. 1 knew 
that you and he had been sweethearts ; I thought that 
you were envious and desperate ; they told me that you 
had planned an elopement ; and it was natural for 'me to 
conclude that my husband was going to desert me. Jeal- 
ousy, you know, does not stop to reason, and I was wildly 
jealous. Forgive me, Hester, for it was in my wicked heart 
to take your life. I hardly know whether I would have 
done it, and 1 hope I would not ; but I took a pistol* from 
Henry for that dreadful purpose. 

Hester You took a pistol fro4i> Henry, tlve servant ? 
2 



26 PROOF POSITIVE. 

3frs. Went, Yes. 

IleHter And did you tell him what for ? 

Mrs. Went. I fear I did say something of my intention; 
but pray forgive — 

Hester [Interriiptin[f) If you had killed me here, 
although nobody saw it, the crime would have been readily 
fastened upon you. Your belief that your husband and I 
were going to elope, your words when you borrowed the 
pistol — all would have been evidence against yon. Does it 
not appear so to you ? 

Mrs. Went. Yes, yes ; I have been saved from a dreadful 
crime and the certain penalty. 

Hester Not from the penalty. Where is the pistol ? 
(Mrs. Wentwich takes the pistol from her j^ocket.) Give it 
to me. (Snatches it.) 

Mrs. Went. What are you going to do ? You would not 
kill me? I believe you are insane. 

Hester You were at least right when you supposed that I 
was desperate. I do not care to live, and I will not when 
by dying I can bring a terrible vengeance upon you. 

Mj's. Went. You are a madwoman. 

(Turns as though to escape. Hester grasps her hy the wrist. 

Hester Mad ? Well, see how adroitly a maniac can plan 
revenge. You came here, as you say, with murder in your 
heart. The circumstances would have convicted you, if you 
had killed me. Those circumstances shall convict you all 
the same, for I will fire the shot myself. 

(Fires at herself drops the pistol, and falls. Mrs, Went- 
wich stands stupefied ivith amazement. Enter Abel by 
the gate, and all the other characters, l. Wentwich 
goes c. 

Wentwich What is this ? 

Dr. Farloio (Raising Hester a little) She has been shot. 
Ahel She is dying. 
Wentwich Where is the murderer? 

HeUer ( With a desperate effort, and 2>ointing at Mrs. 
Wentwich) There ! She did it. 

M)'s. Went. 1 ? (All. look at her \vith surprise.) 



PROOF POSITIVE. 27 

Dr. Far. {Aside) What might come of this? (Hester 
falls from his arms. He hesitates an instant.) She is dead. 
{Tableau.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT THIRD. 



Scene. — A room in the 7h?nbs. The walls are 2)lain and 
bare. At R. a grated windou\ Doors back and l. A 
table, c, chairs, a rug, and some other fiirnitare look as 
though temporarilg put in. 

The rise of the curtain discloses Wentwich seated bg 
the table, dejected, and Abel standing at the ojjposite side 
of the table. 

Wentwich You say that there is no hope of further post- 
ponement, and that the trial must begin to-morrow. 

Abel Yes; Mr. Findley thinks so, and he is a lawyer 
whose judgment is usually good. Will she not hear us? 
{Looks towards the door, r.) 

Went. I closed the door so that she might sleep, if she 
could. She is well-nigh exhausted. 

Abel Six months of prison life and the constant torture 
of her position are enough to have killed her. 

Went. And we can do so little to make her surroundings 
comfortable — nothing, alas ! to cheer her. It may be as 
well that no further postponement of the trial is possible. 

Abel Really, the defence has exhausted every argument hi 
securing the delay already gained. 

Went. The prosecution is ready ? 

Abel Ready and confident. Every witness is secured. 
Henry is in the House of Detention. He says it is cruel to 
make a servant swear against his mistress, but he must tell 
the truth. I have tried every means in vain to change his 
purpose. 



28 PROOF POSITIVE. 

Went. Dr. Farlow, too, is to be a witness for the prosecu- 
tion ? 

Abel His testimony will relate only to the cause of Miss 
Aldridge's death, lie made the post-mortem examination, 
you remember. IIow he could do it, seeincr that she was 
his ward, is more than I can understand. Perhaps he was 
anxious to be thoroughly convinced that she was dead, and 
that her fortune was really left in his hands. 

Went. Are you envious ? 

Abel As there is a heaven above me, no ; but your poor 
wife's sorrow is such a reproach to me, considering the part 
I had in bringing it upon her, that I feel savage against all 
who are to go on the stand against her. 

Went. (liisinr/) Abel, you have labored assiduously for 
my poor wife. I wish to feel that every possible thing has 
been done to save her from conviction. 

Abel I have done all I could, and that is little enough ; 
but she will have the best defence that money and ingenuity 
can get for her, whatever may be the result. 

Went. You know of nothing more that, at any cost, 
might help her case ? 

Abel Nothing. 

Went. And you deem her case hopeless? 

Abel I have not said so. 

Went. But you think so. I have seen it in your face a 
hundred times. My poor wife is doomed. Oh, Abel, it is 
terrible. 

Abel {Taking Wentwich's hand) My friend, do not 
entirely despair. Juries are human. Who knows but some 
of the twelve men will discern the truth in spite of all ? 

We7it. The truth ? 

Abel (Drawing back) The question has been on my 
tongue before, but I have hesitated to ask it. Do you be- 
lieve that your wife is guilty ? 

Went. She is guilty of no intentional w-rong. 

Abel Do you believe she fired the shot that killed Hester 
Aid ridge ? 

Went. Abel, I must believe it; but it was through her love 
of me, and I would be inhuman to blame her. Unfortunate 
circumstances convinoed her that Hester and T were ijoinij 



PKOOF POSITIVE. 29 

to elope. She was maddened — justly unaccountable to hu- 
man and divine law for what she did, and ought to be so to 
man. 

Abel I believe that I am the only person who feels assured 
of her innocence. It is not for me to say that you should 
believe so, too — against circumstances, against reason. No 
doubt you are conscientious ; and your belief makes it easier 
for me to do my errand. Mr. Findley deems it wisest to 
make a plea of manslaughter, hoping that tlie District At- 
torney will accept it. lie advises that course. 

Went. Then he fears a verdict of murder if the case goes 
to the jury ? 

Abel Yes ; and the accuracy of his judgment is what ap- 
palls me. Arthur, it was partly through me that all this has 
come upon your wife. God knows how deeply I feel it. 
(^Dashing tears from his eyes) Mr. Findley thought it better 
that I should broach the subject of a plea of manslaughter to 
her. That is my unpleasant errand, 
(yl key is turned noisily in the door^ l. Enter Mrs. Mock, 

attended by a jailor^ who retires, locking the door behind 

him.) 

Mrs. Mook {Shuddering as she hears the key turn) Oh, 
what a cold clang. (Shakes hands with Wentwich and 
bows to Abel) Perhaps 1 am late. I promised to come and 
see her early this morning. How is she ? 

Went. As well as a broken, despairing woman can be. 

3frs. Mook My husband came with me, but I made him 
stay down-stairs. He is such a bother when I am serious. 
(J^w^e/* PoGGENBURG, L. The jailor unlocks the door, and 
as he is abo^it to relock it, Mook pushes 2>cist him) How do. 
you do, Mr. Poggenburg ? [Shakes hands tvith him. To 
Mook) I thought you were going to stay below. 

Mook You may have thought so — wished so; but [Glanc- 
ing significantly at Poggenburg) I changed my mind. 
(Bows to Abel and Wentwich. Mrs. Mook goes to the 
door, E.) 

Pog. Nephew — Mr. Wentwicli, don't be downcast. The 
darkest hour has a silver lining. That is to say, the black- 
est cloud is just before the day. Cheer np, anyhow. 



30 PROOF POSITIVE. 

Mrs. Mooh I hear lier stirring. I will go in. {Exit up l. 
MooK, ?<^Ao has followed her, takes a seat, u.) 

Went. I would give any price for the smallest reason for 
cheerfulness. Here is my wife dying, I believe, of this 
prison dreariness, and I cannot tell her that she will not go 
from here to worse confinement, or to the scaffold. 

Pof/. Don't be so hopeless. 

Went. Abel comes from our senior counsel with the ad- 
vice that she plead guilty to manslaughter. He thinks an 
acquittal impossible. 

Abel It is as he says, Uncle Jonas. 

Fo(/. Then look here. (Looks at Mock) Mr. Mook, 
would yon mind going back to the office. (Mook 7'ises, but 
hesitates) Oli, I'll not touch your wife. (Pounds on the door, l.) 
We wish to consult privately. (Enter jailor.) 

Mook (Crossing to l.) If I afterwards learn — 

Pog. All right, Mr. Mook. (Exit Mook and the jailor) 
I was going to say, that if Mrs. Wentwich cannot escape 
lawfully, she must escape unlawfully. 

Went. What do you mean ? 

Abel That she can be got out of this prison ? 

Pog. Nothing else. 

Went. Impossible. 

Pog. Quite possible, sir. Money 'and I can do it. 

Abel Whatever is done must be at once. 

Pog. Mr. Wentwich, authorize me to use your money 
without stint, and I will buy your wife's way right through 
the walls of the Tombs. 

Went. Well, see what can be done. There shall be no 
lack of money, if we decide to adopt such a course. 

Pog. I'm off and at it. [Poiinds on the door, l.] I have 
already planned it out in my head. You shall hear from 
me. [PJnter jailor.^ Good-day. 

[Exeunt PoGGENBURG and jailor. 
[Enter Mrs. Wentw^ich and Mrs. Mook, u. e. 

Mrs. 3fook Oh, ray dear, this room really isn't so uncom- 
fortable. [Stands r. c. 

3Trs. Went. (Bowing to Abel, and forcing herself to 
speak gaily) Oh, it is cosy, at least, [ Glancing at the barred 



PROOF POSITIVE. 31 

tvindow] and very safe. [Giving/ way to emotion\ It is 
a toinb, indeed — a horrible, horrible place. 

Went. [Leading her to a chair hy the tahle) You are ill, 
my darling. This prison life is killing you. 

\^IIe covers his face and weej^s. She rises and puts her arms 
around him. 

Mrs. IVent. It is killing you, I fear. Do not give way. 
Went. We must not, for Abel brings word that the trial 
is to go on to-morrow. 

3Irs. Went. As well then as ever. Oh, I know the worst. 
You all try to comfort me, and to make me courageous ; but 
not one of you says there is any chance of acquittal. You 
know there is none. I know it, too ; for I have studied every 
point of my desperate case over, and over, and over — day 
and night, day and night. I said that I could kill any wo- 
man who took my husband from me ; I became convinced 
that my husband and Plester Aldridge were about to elope ; 
I borrowed a pistol from Henry, telling him that I might 
use it to " kill one who would rob me of everything ;" 
Hester Aldridge was killed with that same pistol ; I was 
found alone with her, with the pistol smoking at my feet ; 
and the dying woman accused me of murder. [Rises.] All 
that is truth, but it is false truth, for it supports a lie. She 
died with a lie on her lips to wreak an awful vengeance on 
me. 

[Wentwich 2^^^/5 a7i arm around her, and seats her in the 

chair. 

Went. Be calm. [Stands behind her. 

3Irs. Went. Nobody sees the deadly force of all this 
evidence more clearly than I do. It will convince a jury as 
surely as it is presented to them. [To Abel.] You know 
it will. 

Abel [Standing at the opposite side of the table) Mr. 
Findley thinks so. 

3frs. Went. There, did I not say so ? 

Abel He sends by me his deliberate advice. He has 
studied the case carefully, and he does not feel justified in 
letting it go to a jury if that can be avoided. His opiniou 
is that — 



o2 I'ROOF POSITIVE. 

Mrs. Went. Well, well ? 

Abel He advises a plea of manslaugbter, and is hopeful 
that such a course will save you from — something worse. 

Mrs. Went. He advises me to confess that I killed Hester 
Aldridge? Hov/ can I do that when I am innocent ? Then 
lie, too, thinks me guilty. 

Abel Alas, dear Mrs. Wentvvich, I fear he does. He 
urged at first, you know, a defence on the ground of your 
irresponsibility for an act committed in an insane passion. 

Mrs. Went. Whicli would make me confess a lie. Do 
you think that I fired that shot ? 

Abel I do not. Although I realize the convincing nature 
of the evidence against you, I do assure you that I have not 
for an instant doubted your word. It may be that the brief 
insight that was given me, on that fatal night, of Miss Al- 
dridge's character, helped me to afterward understand the 
truth. Certain I am that you are not a murderess. [She 
clasps his hand across the table.l^ Forgive me, if you can, 
for the part I have had in your sorrow. 

3Irs. Went. {Jjoohaig vj) to her husband, who is still 
standing behind her chair) And you — if I had a doubt of 
your faith in me, I could not bear my cruel position at all, 
but would let it kill me. [/7c averts his face, but gives her 
his hand ; then kisses her. She rises. To Abel] Tell Mr. 
Findley that I will not falsely accuse myself of murder, 
even to change my undeserved punishment from death to 
imprisonment. I stand before God an innocent w^oman, no 
matter what men may believe, or do to me. \To Went- 
wich] Arthur, do you not think I am right ? 

Went. I do not advise you to take Mr. Findley's counsel 
in this matter. We have a better plan. 

Mrs. Went. Do not raise my hopes pui'poselessly. Has 
any evidence of the truth been discovered I 

Went. We have discovered a way to get you out of this 
prison — to put you out of reach of the law. 

Mrs. Went. Explain. 

Went. Your escape is being arranged, and must be 
effected to-day. To-morrow your trial would begin, and its 
end would be vonr conviction. After that a more vis^orous 



PROOF 1>0SITIVE. SH 

confinement might make escape impossible ; so it must be 
done to-day. 

Mrs. Went. Can it really be done ? 

Abel It must. 

3Irs, Went. {^[editativeJy) I would feel guilty if I ran 
away ; it would be taken for a confession. 

Went. AVbat does that matter ? I shall go with you, and 
we will make for ourselves a safe home among strangers. 

Mrs. Went. To stay is sure conviction. 
Went. You must not stay. 

Mrs. Went. But if I go I will be thonght a murderess. 
Went. The public thinks so now. Forgive me if my 
words are cruel, but we must look our trouble squarely in 
the face. The evidence, circumstantial though it be, is con- 
clusive against you. Mr. Findley says that it would surely 
convince a jury. Your explanation, that Hester killed lier- 
self to involve you, would be of no weight in your defence, 
because it is unreasonable. 

3rrs. Went. Arthur, do you not believe that I am inno- 
cent ? [He hesitates.^ Tell me. [Clutches his ar7n.] My 
God ! Do you, too, think that I am a murderess? [liecoils. 
Went. [Takinr/ her hands) Whatever you did was be- 
cause of love of me. Y"ou were maddened — irresponsible. 
[She pulls «?w//.] I love you all the more for that unfor- 
tunate proof of your devotion. 

Jfrs. Went. (^Dropping on her knees) On my knees I 
swear, by my hope of heaven — 

Went. (Quicklf/ liftinf/ her to her feet) Do not perjure 
yourself. To me your act has no guilt, for I know the ter- 
rible temptation. 

3Irs. Went. Oh, I could bear everything but this — every- 
thing but this. [lie atte?npts to take her hand, hut she 
draws it away.^ I should loathe you if I thought you were 
a murderer. 

Went. I tell you that your deed is not in my estimation 
a murder. You are to me the same pure woman that I 
wooed and married. All that I said then of my love I say 
now\ As your husband, I have never ceased to be your 
ardent lover. This great trouble will only bring us closer 
together, and we will be happy again in a safe refuge. 



34 PKOOF POSITIVE. 

[^Enter Poggenburg, let in by the jailor. 

Pog. {To jailor) Wait a second. [Coming forward\ 
Abel, yoLi must not be involved in this. 

Went. That is right. You are a lawyer and raust not be 
professionally compromised. You have done your whole 
duty already, and shall not be dragged into this matter. 
Besides, you could not help us. 

Abel I will not shrink from any service. 

Pog. Go, Abel. A lawyer's fame is very susceptible ; a 
diplomat's is tough. 

Abel Shall I tell Mr. Findley that Mrs. Wentwich refuses 
to plead guilty of manslaughter ? 

3Irs. Went. Yes. 
Went. She shall not need to do so. 

[Exeunt Abel ayid the jailor. 

Went. Well? 

Pog. I have worked expeditiously and adroitly ; but I 
hold the golden key to the prison. Mrs. Wentwich may 
walk out unhindered. I have bribed the officers now on 
duty. The pay is so high that they can afford to take the 
consequences ; but they insist on a show of honesty. I am 
to bring in a woman who works about the prison, and you 
are to change clothes with her — she remaining, and you go- 
ing. Ah, this is a job that I shall be proud of. 
Went. And this woman ? 

Pog, Is yet to be bought. They tell me, too, that she is 
very honest; but of course she has a price. The delay is 
the danger. 

3frs. Mook There need be no delay. I will take her 
place. 

Went. You? 

Mrs. Mook Why not ? They can't kill me. Why 
shouldn't I do something for my dearest friend ? 

Pog. Really, if you will — time is most precious. 

Mrs. Mook I am in earnest. 

Pog. Then go into the other room, and exchange dresses 
as quickly as you can. 

Mrs. Mook Come. 
Went. It is best. 



PROOF POSITIVE. ^O 

Mrs, Went. {To Wentvvich) You do believe that I 
tilled Hester Aldridge. [lie puis his arms around her. 
She strugf/les to get awag.] Don't let me toiicli you, if 
there is blood on iiij^ hands. 

Pog. Hush, Mrs, Wentvvich. You may be overheard, 
and your escape made impossible. 

Mrs. Went. I escape ? From what ? Alas ! I cannot 
escape from my husband's belief that I am guilty. 

Went. You are mad. Come, permit us to save you. 

Mrs. Went. No ; I will stay. Neither entreaty nor 
force shall make me go. A jury of strangers may not be so 
hard against me as my own husband. [Tableau. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT FOURTH. 



Scene — Same as in Act Third. This scene must he so 
constructed that a quick transformation can he made to 
that of the yard of the Tombs, and hack again, at thep)oints 
indicated in the act. By some ingenuity and the proper 
mechanism.^ these changes could be made an effective feature. 
A group of 2)ersons could he instantaneously introduced m 
the yard by means of the Pepper ghost apparatus, and 
the illusion not only serve to quickly fill the stage, hut 
would mystify the audience. Various other devices sug- 
gest themselves. 

(Mrs. Wentwich reclineslon the bed, and Wentwich sits by 
the side of it. 

Wentwich Now you are yourself again. 
Mrs. Went. Have I been asleep long ? 
Went. Three weeks, my dear. 
Mrs. Went. Three weeks? 



3G PROOF POSITIVE. 

Wenf. But it was an uneasy sleep. You have liad a dan- 
gerous fever. 

31rs. Went. Have three weeks gone since that awful day 
in court? 

Went. Yes. 

Mrs. Went. That is the last that I remember — the trial, 
in which truth was made false in its effect ; the judge's 
charge, in which the false truth was presented so strongly 
against me ; the suspense, while waiting for a verdict that I 
hoped against hope would not be the dreaded one ; the final 
condemnation, by which I was branded as a murderess. I 
do not W'Onder that I fainted, or that fever seized upon me. 
Oh, if I only could have died, without ever again coming to 
a consciousness of my terrible doom ! 

Wenf. Do not say that. (Weeps.) 

Mrs. Went. [Caressinr/ him) I will not, if it grieves you. 
I will keep a brave heart if I can. (Breaking down) But I 
can't. Not a ray of comfort comes to me out of all the 
blackness. [Embraces Wentivich and weeps.) Arthur, has 
your love for me been displaced by your behef in my guilt ? 

Went. No, my darling, (prises) because my love was not 
lessened, even when I thought yours had led you to the 
commission of a deadly deed. Now I believe that you did 
not kill Hester x\ldridge, and love is tender with grief at 
having wronged you. 

3frs. Went. [Rising in bed, and throwing her arms around 
him) Thank God for this. [Laughs hysterically.) 

Went. There, you must not excite yourself. [Puts her 
back on the bed.) And you must not forgive me so readily. 
It was only when I observed that your ravings in fever were 
all in accord with your previous accounts of Hester's death 
that I accepted the truth. You went through the tragedy 
repeatedly, always exactly the same, and never saying a 
word that was not compatible with what you had said when 
conscious. Then, my wife, I wept for my injustice, and 
prayed that you might not die without knowing how sorry I 
was. 

Mrs. Went. Oh, you have made me so happy that I want 
to live. [He kisses her tenderly.) Why do you look at me 
so sadly ? [Cries out) Ah — h ! I know now. I had for- 



PROOF POSITIVE. 37 

gotten. I am condemned as a murderess. Am I to go to 
the scaffold ? Tell me tbe worst. 

Went. You have not been sentenced 3'ct. Your illness 
has prevented. 

Mrs. Went, And the sentence will be death, Avill it not? 

Went. It cannot be otherwise. [She shudders and covers 
her face.) But I will not believe that they will hang a 
woman. They must — shall — at least commute your punish- 
meut to imprisonment for life. 

Mrs. Went. Worse than death. 

Went. Heaven may yet provide proof of your innocence. 

Mi's. Went. There is hope in your words, but none in 
your face. 

(She looks ivistfully around, and at the jmrtly open door. 

Went. You are thinking of escape. 

Mrs. Went. Yes ; I could be happy with you anywhere 
now, since you are convinced. 

Went. Alas ! escape would be difficult now. You could 
not walk, and would have to be carried. They are so con- 
fident of your helplessness that they leave the corridor open 
for our convenience. (Mrs. Wentwich falls hack with a 
sigh.) We are exhausting you, and you are weak yet. We 
must be careful of your health, at least. 

Mrs. Went. What does it matter? 

[A rap at the door. Enter Dr. Farlow. 

J)r. Far. May I come in ? 

Went. Yes. 

Dr. Far. {Goes to the bedside) How is our patient this 
evening ? 

Mrs. Went. Dr. Farlow, are you attending me ? 

Dr. Far. (Looks at her searchingly) Yes ; I have been 
doing my best during your illness ; but now that you have 
come out of the delirium, if you desire a change of phys- 
icians, do not hesitate to say so. 

Mrs. Went. I do not wish to be capricious. 

Dr. Far. It is natural that, in your sad situation, you 
should have some feeling against me as a witness for the 
prosecution, although my testimony was of the most formal 
character, and really contributed nothing against you. 



38 PROOF POSITIVE. 

Went. We cannot blarae you, Doctor. You simply testi- 
fied that Hester Aldridge died of a pistol shot wound. 

Br. Far. That was all ; and, if I took the matter of in- 
vestigating the immediate cause of death out of the coro- 
ner's hands, by making the post-mortem examination by my- 
self, believe me, it was because I sought to cover the hideous 
details as far as possible from public exhibition. But this 
kind of talk will not help our patient. 

{Takes her hand to feel her pulse. She starts, and he drops 
her hand. 
Went. You are nervous. Doctor, as well as she. 
Dr. Far. Yes ; a rather startling occurrence this morning 
— that is, a trifling thing, but rather disturbing — {feels her 
pulse again) nothing of consequence, however. 

{A woman'* s voice is heard faintJy outside, crying, ^^ Help, 
helpP'' Mrs. Wentw^ich sits up and listens. 

Mrs. Went. What is that ? 

Went. [Going to the window) A crazy or drunken pris- 
oner, I suppose. {The voice is heard again outside.) A 
woman. 

(Dr. Farlow listens, draws back from the bed, and is 
uneasy. 

Mrs. Went. {Getting off the bed) That voice — I think 
I know it. 

Dr. Far. {Goes to Mrs. Wentwich, ««i? gently makes her 
sit on the bed.) This will not do ; you must be quiet. 

Went. {Going to the back of the bed) What excites you, 
my dear? {Screams are heard outside. 

Mrs. Went. Ah ! I am not mistaken. That is the voice 
of Hester Aldridge, or her ghost. 

Dr. Far. This is delirium. {Takes hold of Mrs. Went- 
wiCH, who tries to go toward the wi}idoiv, and forcibly re- 
strains her.) She must be restrained. 

(Wentwich trits to pacify her. The voice outside, ^^IwonU 
he held ; let me go T Mrs. Wentwich breaks aioay, runs 
to the window, and looks out. Wentwich folloics her. 
Dr. Farlow goes l., and shoics agitation. 



PROOF POSITIVE. 39 

Mrs. Went. Is tliat Hester A Id ridge ? You arc in your 
senses. Looii and tell me. 
Went. It is she. 
Dr. Far. Destruction ! [Goes quickly to the door.) 

YTahleau. The scene changes, as described above, to the 

prison yard. 
(Hester Aldridge stands, r., or enters. Her clothing and 

hair are disordered. The jailor and other persons are 

groiq^ed around her. Moonlight. 

Hester [With the manner of a maniac) Let me go, I say. 
What right have you to keep me ? What have you brought 
me here for ? I've just escaped from one prison, and you 
want to put me in another. You shall not do it. Help, 
lielp ! [The jailor advayices, as though to secure her) Don't 
dare to touch me, you ruflBan ! I am Hester Aldridge — lam 
wealthy, and you shall suffer for this. ( Tlce jailor falls hack.) 

Dr. Farloiv [Entering hurriedly from the jyrison) Secure 
her! She is a maniac. She escaped from my charge this 
morning. Put her in a cell, and I will have her removed to 
an asylum without delay. She must not be permitted to see 
or speak with anybody — be sure of that. [Aside) If I can 
get her away from here, all may yet be well. 

Hester [As Dr. Farlow and the Jailor go toioard her) 
You shall not shut me up again. [Screams. Enter Abel 
and PoGGENBURa, l. They look at Hester in amazement.) 

Abel Hester Aldridge ! 

Pog. She or her apparition. 

Ahel Amazement. What does this mean ? 

Dr. Farlow She is mad, and must be secured. [Seizes 
her. She escapes and runs into the prison. All start to 
follow her. Dr. Farlow turns, and goes l., as though 
to escape. Abel and Poggenburg follow and detain him) 
How dare you detain me ? 

Abel Why do you want to escape ? 

Pog. Better stay and explain. Doctor. 

( The scene changes hack to the prison interior, as in the he- 
girming of the act. Wentwich andMns. Wentwich are 
disclosed at the window. 



40 



i-xDi\HRi ur ^uriijKli:>b 



ritOOF POSITIVE 




Hester [Dashhu/ in) Hide me, hide me ! (Sees Mrs. 
Wentwich) Mrs. Wentwich ! Arthur ! You shall not 
have him. You came out here to kill me. Ha, ha, ha ! 
Give me the pistol. The circumstances would have convict- 
ed you if you had done it, and they shall convict you all 
the same, for [ will fire the shot myself. Oh, you shall not 
rob me of my lover, but shall be hanged. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Went. Hester alive? What mystery is this ? 

Mrs. Wtnt. It dazes me. 

[Enter Abel and Poggenburg, v;ith Dii. Farlow between 
them. 

Abel This man can explain, I think. 

Hester (Shrinkinr/) Don't let him get me. He will lock 
me up again. 

Abel Aha! it is clear enough. She has been imprisoned 
by Dr. Farlow. 

Dr. Farloic There is some mistake. 

Went. There has been a mistake — a dreadful one ; but it 
is rectified. You spirited this woman away, and swore that 
she was dead, in order to steal her estate. It is a wonder 
you did not kill her. 

Dr. Farlow (Aside) Curse my faint heart that I did not ! 

Went. (Puts his arm around Mrs. Wentwich) And 

you left this innocent woman to be condemned. Scoundrel ! 

Mrs. Wtntvnch But she is saved to you at last. 

Pog. (As Dr. Farlow moves toioard the door) Stop 
him ! 

[Enter Jailor^ v'ho lays his hand on Dr. Farlow's shyai- 
der. Tableau. 

curtain. 



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